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Commissioners review low bid for Kelton Gilbert project; engineer estimate far higher, funding to involve Ohio EPA
Summary
The board discussed awarding a construction contract for the Kelton Gilbert project after a low bid substantially below the engineer's estimate; commissioners emphasized vigilance on potential change orders and noted Ohio EPA funding discussions.
Trumbull County commissioners reviewed bids for a large infrastructure contract described in the meeting as the Kelton Gilbert project and discussed the variance between the engineer’s estimate and the apparent low bid.
County staff reported an engineer’s estimate of about $11,600,000 for the project. Meeting discussion referenced a low bid near $8.05 million, a difference commissioners described as significant savings if the contractor performs to contract. “This is a really great savings … we have to be wary of any change orders,” a commissioner said, urging staff to hold contractors to the bid amount.
Why it matters: Large construction contracts and their funding affect county borrowing, grant eligibility and future operating costs. Commissioners said the county will work with Ohio EPA to finalize funding shares and noted the project total discussed included construction and ancillary costs.
Funding discussion: Staff said they had submitted numbers to Ohio EPA and expected the agency to finalize its share. During the conversation county staff recited figures in the meeting transcript (verbatim): “3 come down to $6.08 $4.03 $1.71 80,” and said that the number represented the total project cost, not just construction. Commissioners asked for clarity from Ohio EPA and for a finalized funding agreement before moving forward with work beyond the immediate award.
Contractor and oversight: Commissioners voiced experience-based caution about contractors submitting low bids and later seeking change orders for unforeseen conditions. They asked to ensure engineering drawings were complete and to monitor construction closely to limit overruns.
Next steps: Staff will seek written confirmation of funding shares from Ohio EPA, finalize award paperwork, and report back with a revised funding breakdown and a recommended contract award and oversight plan.
Ending: The board signaled support for moving forward if funding matches staff representations and if the low bidder can be held to the contract scope and price.
